Associate, People Operations

Associate, People Operations

About the Role

At Good Reason Houston, we believe that building and sustaining a strong, engaged team is essential to driving organizational impact. The Associate, People Operations serves as a critical operational backbone for the organization; helping power the people systems and leadership routines that enable our team to thrive. 

Reporting to the Director, People, Strategy & Leadership the Associate manages key people operations processes, supports employee engagement efforts, and provides high-level administrative support to the Leadership Team. This role also plays a central part in coordinating Board operations and maintaining strong internal structures that promote organizational clarity and connection.

By ensuring smooth execution across people, leadership, and governance systems, the Associate helps Good Reason Houston deliver on its mission with a team that feels energized and equipped to succeed. The ideal candidate is someone who finds energy in helping a mission-driven team perform at its best and brings initiative, sound judgment, and strong relational instincts. 

Key Responsibilities 

People Operations & Administration (50%).

• Coordinate recruitment processes, including job posting management, candidate scheduling, and interview logistics
• Support administration of  employee lifecycle routines including onboarding, offboarding, and role transitions
• Maintain accurate and organized employee records, organizational charts, job descriptions, and internal documentation, ensuring data integrity and accessibility
• Support administration of performance review cycles and employee engagement surveys, tracking completion and follow-up
• Compile and monitor internal people metrics (e.g., hiring timelines, retention data, staff composition) to support leadership decision-making
• Design and execute internal culture initiatives, including recognition programs, engagement activities, milestone celebrations, and supporting employee resource groups
• Manage organizational calendars, key deadlines, and internal communications to ensure staff clarity, timely updates, and strong communication loops across people and operational processes
• Assist with internal documentation and record-keeping
• Coordinate logistics for team meetings, retreats, and cross-functional gatherings
• Provide executional support for special projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed

People Experience & Office Engagement (25%)

• Support a positive and welcoming in-office experience for staff and visitors, ensuring team members feel supported, connected, and set up for success in their day-to-day work
• Serve as a visible, approachable front-of-house presence, greeting guests, supporting staff needs in real time, and helping create a warm, professional environment
• Manage front desk responsibilities, including receiving guests, coordinating deliveries and mail, and maintaining an organized and responsive entry experience
• Help ensure staff have access to the tools, resources, and information they need for a smooth day-to-day experience, coordinating closely with Operations as needed
• Support planning and execution of team events, gatherings, and in-office moments that reinforce culture, connection, and engagement
• Partner with the Director, People, Strategy & Leadership to enhance the overall employee experience in the office, including gathering feedback and supporting implementation of space and experience improvements
• Support additional projects related to people and culture related projects, as assigned.

Executive Support (20%)

• Provide high-level administrative and operational support to CEO
• Coordinate logistics and manage priorities to ensure efficient use of CEO time and resources
• Develop and organize materials to support effective executive meetings and decision-making

Board & Governance Support (5%)

• Maintain up-to-date Board contact lists and respond to scheduling and coordination needs
• Execute logistics for quarterly Board and committee meetings, including RSVP tracking, material preparation and distribution, minute-taking, and follow-up coordination
• Organize and update governance documents; support compliance with Board policies, procedures, and documentation requirements

Other responsibilities as assigned by the Director, People, Strategy & Leadership. 

Qualifications & Key Attributes

• 2+ years of experience in people operations, executive/administrative support, office operations, or a related function.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and relay information clearly.
• High attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to accuracy across documentation, data, and logistics.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented; identifies gaps, and takes initiative to address them.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging workplace culture.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with flexibility to respond to emerging needs.
• Alignment with Good Reason Houston’s mission and a genuine interest in supporting a high-performing, mission-driven team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Mac OS, and Google Workspace.

Our Team

Our core values reflect the principles that ground and guide our work. They serve as the foundation for how we show up, internally with our colleagues and externally with our partners and communities. These values shape how we make decisions, collaborate across teams, and navigate challenges. They are the throughline that connects our culture to our impact. 

CURIOUS

We are curious— we ask, listen, and learn with humility to grow our understanding and improve how we work in service of students.

CONNECTORS

We are connectors—we build meaningful, authentic relationships that create momentum for lasting change with and for Houston students, families, and communities.

ROOTED

We are rooted— we show up with purpose and persistence, grounded in our mission and in deep commitment to Houston.

FORWARD-THINKING

We are forward-thinkers–we champion an optimistic vision for Houston’s future and tackle complex challenges with boldness, creativity, and strategic action. 

STUDENT-CENTERED

We are student-centered—removing barriers, expanding opportunity, and shaping systems to improve outcomes for students with the greatest needs.

Working at Good Reason Houston

Good Reason Houston offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The starting salary for this position is $55,000. New hires are offered a salary depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. 

Good Reason Houston also has a 401(k) (automatic 3% employer contribution), life, medical, dental and vision insurance packages. 

Each employee accrues 35 paid time off days per calendar year in addition to the 19 paid holidays per year. 

Good Reason Houston is an office-based organization, but allows for virtual work on Mondays and Fridays.